Image Sensor Light-Blocking Structure for Flare and Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in achieving an effective light-blocking effect in the light-blocking region, which can lead to image quality deterioration due to flare phenomena and crosstalk between pixels.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor incorporates a light-blocking structure comprising a stack of films, including a first conductive film, a first insulating film, and a second conductive film, forming a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) resonator, which absorbs incident light and minimizes reflection, and is specifically designed for the light-blocking region to prevent light from reaching reference pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a light-blocking film is provided in the light-blocking region, then light-blocking effect is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional film layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by stacking multiple films with different properties (conductive films, insulating films, low-refractive-index films) to create a light-blocking structure. This composite structure achieves superior light-blocking performance through the synergistic effect of different material layers, where each layer contributes specific functions such as light absorption, reflection, and refractive index management.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-blocking structure is nested within the existing sensor architecture, integrating multiple functional layers (conductive films, insulating films, anti-reflection structures) in a compact stacked configuration. This nesting approach allows the light-blocking function to be incorporated without significantly increasing overall device footprint or complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a light-blocking structure with multiple films is used, then light-blocking effect is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by carefully controlling the thickness, refractive index, and material composition of each film layer. By optimizing these parameters, the structure achieves effective light-blocking across different wavelengths and angles, reducing sensitivity to minor manufacturing variations while maintaining high performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-blocking structure employs local quality by applying different material properties and thicknesses to different regions of the light-blocking structure. This allows targeted optimization for specific light-blocking requirements while simplifying manufacturing in other areas, as not all regions require the same level of precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly reduces light reflection and transmission in the light-blocking region, enhancing image quality by preventing flare phenomena and improving dark level characteristics, thereby improving the overall performance of the image sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a light-blocking structure comprising a stack of films, including a first conductive film, a first insulating film, and a second conductive film, forming a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) resonator, which absorbs incident light and minimizes reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor having a structure in which a light-blocking film having an excellent light-blocking effect is provided in a light-blocking region includes a first substrate including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface including a plurality of transistors, and the second surface being opposite to the first surface and configured to receive light, the first substrate comprising a pixel array region and a light-blocking region, an anti-reflection structure on the second surface of the first substrate in the pixel array region and the light-blocking region, and a light-blocking structure on the anti-reflection structure in the light-blocking region, wherein the light-blocking structure comprises a plurality of film that are sequentially stacked, the plurality of film including at least a first conductive film, a first insulating film, and a second conductive film.